KIA RIO 3 MHEV S-A (2020)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 49 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,405
£117/month
MOT Pass Rate
100%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
998cc Hybrid
Great Choice
100% pass rate, £1405/year to run. 18 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~50 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 18 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the KIA brand average of 86%.
At 6 years old, 100% of KIA RIO 3 MHEV S-As from 2020 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 49 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 16,824 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
16,824
Average miles
44,400
Expected for age
The average 2020 KIA RIO 3 MHEV S-A has 16,824 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 44,400 miles for a 6-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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About the 2020 KIA RIO 3 MHEV S-A
The 2020 KIA RIO 3 MHEV S-A is a city car with a 998cc hybrid engine. 49 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 1% of all 2020 cars for reliability.
With an average of 16,824 miles at 6 years old, KIA RIO 3 MHEV S-A owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
2020 KIA RIO 3 MHEV S-A Fuel Costs
The modest 998cc hybrid engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current hybrid prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid, real-world fuel costs will vary significantly depending on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2020 KIA RIO 3 MHEV S-A?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,405 (£117/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 100% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2020 KIA RIO 3 MHEV S-A
At 6 years old, the KIA RIO 3 MHEV S-A offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. Note: with only 49 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2020 KIA RIO 3 MHEV S-A's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Hybrid Battery Health
Medium riskAfter 6 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.
Inverter and Power Electronics
Low riskThe inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.
Regenerative Braking
Medium riskBrake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2020 KIA RIO 3 MHEV S-A stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIA RIO 3 MHEV S-A(2020) | 100% | £955 | £195 | Grp 1-8 | £1405 |
| TOYOTA YARIS(2018) | 91% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 8-20 | £1582+£177 |
| VOLVO XC40(2021) | 93% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582+£177 |
| HONDA JAZZ EX I-MMD CVT(2021) | 96% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582+£177 |
| FORD PUMA TITANIUM MHEV(2021) | 95% | £955 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1400-£5 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Kia Models
Explore other Kia cars or similar models in the same category.
KIA SPORTAGE
2016 · 1700cc Diesel
KIA PICANTO
2018 · 998cc Petrol
KIA CEED
2012 · 1591cc Diesel
TOYOTA YARIS
2018 · 1349cc Hybrid
VOLVO XC40
2021 · 1470cc Hybrid
HONDA JAZZ EX I-MMD CVT
2021 · 1498cc Hybrid
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